Part 2

Explore the Boons system in Hades II, Part 2. Learn about Attack, Special, Cast, Dash, and Call boons, their categorizations, and how they synergize with weapons and builds.

This section of the guide details the Boons system in Hades II, focusing on how they are presented and sorted. Boons are categorized by type: Attack, Special, Cast, Dash, and Call, in that order.

Attack and Special boons are further sorted by frequency of use (high, low, independent, situational) rather than by god. This categorization helps players understand how rapidly a boon's associated Attack or Special needs to be used to maximize its effect, considering factors like charge times or delays between uses.

Cast boons are simpler, split into 'Sticking Casts' and 'Non-Sticking Casts,' based on their battle mechanics and potential for boon synergies.

Dash boons have their own categories: the best dash, forward-acting, backward-acting, and situational.

The guide attempts to sort boons by usefulness within each category, acknowledging that the best choice depends on the player's weapon, other boons, and weapon upgrades.

Call boons are ranked, as they generally serve the same purpose (dealing damage), with one notable exception. Their synergies are less dependent on weapon choice.

TL;DR Boon Guidelines:

• Prioritize Attack and/or Special boons, as they are frequently used. The importance of Attack vs. Special depends on the weapon.
• A Common boon that synergizes well is better than a Rare or Epic boon that doesn't.
• Divine Dash is universally compatible with any build.
• The 'best' boons are generally offered by Aphrodite, Demeter, and Athena.
• Poseidon boons are considered less effective.

Hermes and Chaos boons are not detailed here, except for Hermes' Hyper Sprint, as they are not mutually exclusive with other gods' boons and their viability depends on various factors like Mirror of Night skills and other boons received. Chaos boons are generally recommended as they can stack with primary skill boons.

1) ATTACK BOONS

1A) High-Frequency Use

Demeter, Frost Strike

Details: +40% damage, applies Chill (slows enemies by 4% per stack, max 10 stacks).

Notes: Chill is highly effective for controlling enemies. Frost Strike offers significant damage and is a core boon for builds using the Aspect of Gilgamesh (Twin Fists) and Aspect of Zeus (Shield of Chaos with Pulverizing Blow). It is not viable only with the Heart-Seeking Bow using Flurry Shot.

Zeus, Lightning Strike

Details: Applies chain lightning, dealing 10 fixed damage.

Notes: Zeus's boons are generally better in standard encounters than boss fights. Lightning Strike's fixed damage is a good supplement for low base damage Attacks like those of the Adamant Rail and Twin Fists (non-Aspect of Gilgamesh). It is particularly useful for evasion-based Fists builds or speed runs where return damage is less of a concern. It is a top choice for the Fists' Aspect of Zagreus and most Aspects of the Adamant Rail (excluding Aspect of Hestia). While often a solid choice for fast Attacks, it's rarely the primary technique unless Splitting Bolt is acquired.